2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

The current Volkswagen Tiguan was redesigned a few years back, though it still looks and feels fairly fresh. The 2020 Tiguan's biggest selling point is its optional third-row seat, which is something you can't find on leading competitors such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. That said, the third row is cramped and best left to shorter or younger occupants as leg- and headroom are in short supply.

Outside of the third row, we like the Tiguan's quiet and well-designed interior, easy-to-use tech, and variety of standard and available features such as smartphone integration and some driver assistance features. The sporty R-Line models give the Tiguan a bit more flair than some rivals, though we wish the package did more to improve the Tiguan's middling acceleration and lackluster driving dynamics. Fuel economy also fails to impress.

Ultimately, the Tiguan doesn't have enough positive qualities to truly stand out in the small SUV class. Unless you absolutely need the third row you'll probably be happier with the CR-V or another top pick such as the Mazda CX-5 or Subaru Forester.

Our verdict

7.3 / 10

The Volkswagen Tiguan impresses with its high-tech cabin and premium materials, both of which rank high in the ever-growing field of compact three-row SUVs. It doesn't falter in many areas, but its drawbacks — a thirsty engine and slow-to-react transmission — prevent it being truly great.

How does it drive?

6.0

On the performance front, the Tiguan underdelivers by the segment's already low bar. Most of the blame lies with the clunky, unresponsive transmission. A 0-60 mph acceleration time of 9.5 seconds is slow for the class. Acceleration is lethargic at partial throttle, especially when accelerating from a stop. Making an unprotected left turn requires planning well ahead.

Handling is also disappointing. The Tiguan is OK as long as you don't push too hard, but go around a tight turn and you'll feel a lot of body roll. If you enjoy more spirited driving, it's not the ideal vehicle. Competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Mazda CX-5 do a better job of maintaining composure.

How comfortable is it?

8.0

The Tiguan places a high priority on comfort, judging by the seats and overall pleasant ride. (Lower trim levels have smaller wheels, translating to a cushier ride over bad roads.) The third row is tight, but those up front are treated to well-bolstered and supportive seats. Second-row passengers get adjustable seatbacks, a boon for taller occupants.

Wind noise is minimal, and road noise is only apparent on atypical road surfaces (such as when traveling over train tracks or hitting bumps). The engine is quiet while cruising, but the transmission's odd shifting behavior may cause drivers to wring out the engine to get up to speed. The engine gets vocal above 2,000 rpm, and you'll hear a fair amount of turbocharger whooshing.

How’s the interior?

8.0

As one of few three-row small SUVs, the Tiguan is unsurprisingly all about space and utility. There's an abundance of room in the first and second rows, though the third row is only suitable for kids. The large door openings make getting in and out relatively hassle-free, even for third-row occupants. Visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and small pillars.

It may, however, take some time to get used to the instrument panel's many features and controls. You may find the layout of the steering wheel's cruise control buttons and the ones controlling the SEL's digital instrument panel confusing, for example. Our staff was split over its intuitiveness.

How’s the tech?

7.5

The infotainment system is one of the best in the segment, and the premium Fender audio system is also quite good. There's only a single USB port on the base Tiguan, but the SE and above add a second port in the front and one port in the rear. All models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though we had some minor issues with the former during our test.

VW offers a lot of advanced driving aids on the Tiguan, but they don't feel fully baked yet. The adaptive cruise system is late to recognize cars merging into your lane and slow to react to the car in front leaving the lane. We also experienced some unwarranted inputs from the lane-keeping assist system in our test vehicle.

How’s the storage?

8.0

There's plenty of room behind the Tiguan's second row to store several large suitcases. Room behind the third row is tight but better than what other compact three-row SUVs offer. You must also remove the cargo cover if the third row is raised.

A sliding second row and deep pockets near the hatch door make this space more versatile. The Tiguan offers lots of places to store small items, even in the third row. The front doors can fit two water bottles. A tray underneath the center console makes up for a relatively small bin underneath the armrest.

How economical is it?

6.0

The all-wheel-drive Tiguan is rated at 23 mpg combined. It achieved 25.7 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, which is about what we'd expect. That said, the Tiguan is thirstier than rivals with base engines and even some competitors with upgraded engines.

Is it a good value?

6.5

Build quality appears nice on the surface, but we were less than impressed with several rattles on our test vehicle, which showed just 6,000 miles on the odometer. A high price and below-average fuel economy translate to higher running costs for Tiguan owners. Volkswagen reduced its warranty for 2020, but it is still better than what most other automakers offer.

Wildcard

7.0

The Tiguan comes across as a bit more upscale than competing small crossovers. The tech, premium materials and handsome design help it stand out in a huge segment. But those qualities are somewhat undone by the Tiguan's lackluster driving experience. It's slow, clunky and dull, though it's relatively quiet and comfortable to sit in.

Which Tiguan does Edmunds recommend?

As with most new vehicles, the sweet spot seems to be right near the middle. We recommend the VW Tiguan SE, one step up from the entry-level S model. It's still affordable, but you get some appealing upgrades such as a power driver's seat, heated front seats and keyless entry.

Volkswagen Tiguan models

The 2020 VW Tiguan is a two- or three-row SUV that comes in five trim levels: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL and SEL Premium R-Line. All Tiguans are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque) that's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Three rows of seating come standard with front-wheel-drive models, and two rows are standard on all-wheel-drive models (with a third row available as an option).

Standard features for the Tiguan S include a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Driver assistance features include forward collision warning with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The SE includes all that plus useful extras such as keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats and an 8-inch touchscreen. The SE R-Line Black is pretty much the same thing but has larger wheels and sportier exterior styling elements.

Compared to the SE, the SEL and SEL R-Line come standard with even more features that include a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, remote start, a full digital gauge cluster display, more driver safety features, leather upholstery and a nine-speaker Fender sound system.

Sponsored cars related to the Tiguan

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.

5 star reviews: 80%

4 star reviews: 0%

3 star reviews: 10%

2 star reviews: 10%

1 star reviews: 0%

Average user rating: 4.5 stars based on 10 total reviews

Trending topics in reviews

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infotainment system

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Most helpful consumer reviews

5 out of 5 stars, Excellet mid-size SUV

SoccerDad, 03/07/2020

SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

The Edmunds review appears to be directed at those in the market for a CRV, CX5 or RAV4 and considering the base Tiguan S and SE models. In that case, maybe one of the Japanese models is the way to go. If your budget allows for the higher trim SELP R-Line, the CRV, CX5 and RAV4 don't have trims that come close in my opinion. The SELP R-Line's competition includes the X3 and Q5 and it would hold its own regardless of prices against these German competitors if the engine was tuned a little more aggressively. I'm assuming VW made compromises for regular fuel and MPGs over acceleration. For at least $10k less and the addition of a third row for car-pooling little ones, my choice was the SELP R-Line over the Audi and BMW. I considered the less expensive SE R-Line wondering if a $5k tech package was worth the price of the SELP and was happy with my decision. Readers can check out the long list of tech features on the SELP R-Line which is basically everything including the digital cockpit.
Favorite features: luxurious interior, well-integrated tech, handling, fuel efficiency and sharp exterior. This SUV handles better than many sedans.
Room for improvement: tune the engine like the CX5 turbo where drivers who choose premium fuel are rewarded with additional hp and torque. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats would be nice options, but maybe not worth the additional price.

5 out of 5 stars, Affordable European Luxury

Dcisive, 03/12/2020

SEL 4MOTION 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

First and foremost perhaps my most important aspects of a car I would like to own is the seat comfort. Having test driven Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Ford, Chevy and Mazda before coming upon a SEL Tiguan, I was instantly struck with how inert my body felt in the seats of the Tiguan. It was as if it had been moulded to my back with NO pressure points and perfect positioning without fatigue. There was NO equal that I'd driven and the love was beginning. The steering wheel feel was superb with the controls intelligently laid out. Speaking of intelligently laid out the Infotainment system needed NO manual to operate and was full with not just radio and CD features but a TON of adjustments which allowed one to customize the car to their needs or liking electronically. The climate control was also no brainer. I was quite impressed with the construction and material qualities. There were NO creaks or noises whatsoever to be heard when driving on less then perfect roads. The view outside the front, side and back windows was virtually unobstructed (unlike all the others). The suspension absorbed most all the imperfections in the road but the car still handled like a competent car not leaning when cornering at speed (taking a 25mph curve at 50 was no big deal). The car exuded solid construction, no wind noise at high speeds and it astounded me that after putting up for several years with a Nissan Rogue I couldn't even hold a conversation with my wife in at highway speeds could easily converse with her as well as listen to the highly competent entertainment system. The lights are exceedingly bright and the exceptional fog lamp system they use illuminates off to the sides of the vehicle as well not just forward vastly increasing ones view. The Panoramic Sunroof is a real treat as is the powered rear hatch with tons of storage space. Another thing that surprised me was the mileage. The rated highway mileage is only 27mpg. However I live in a fairly rural area where the highway to a town about 25 minutes away is at 60mph speed limit. I used the amazing cruise control that maintains my distance from the vehicle in front of me and if they start to slow down it adjusts accordingly with NO input needed........AMAZING! After a week of travel back and forth to the said town, I checked my mileage and noted I got 32mpg. If I take the interstate to the nearest large city it's at 80mph. Under a week of those conditions I would drop to 28mpg. Still not unreasonable. All in all both my wife and I have been truly enjoying all aspects of this vehicle. It conveys a very luxurious feeling when driving it. Glad I went this route and passed on all the competition, which in my experiences had more weaknesses then this model has. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars, Better than all 3 Outback’s!!!

Jennifer D, 04/27/2020

SE 4MOTION 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Very solid vehicle structurally. Nicely equipped at the SE level, I have the third row and the sunroof. This is a solid performer, the only complaint that I would say I have would be initial take off. This is easily remedied with manual shifting which provides excellent acceleration with the 180hp, which is very peppy, considering the weight of the car. The roominess in the car is exceptional, especially in the backseat, but there is plenty of room all around so you do not feel cramped anywhere. The third row seating area is small but that is to be expected. The sunroof is panoramic, but only opens halfway that is very nice. The tint is very nice and dark, this is nice especially if you live in hot areas. The infotainment center is very easy to learn and is extremely easy to access while driving both on the dash and on the wheel. I like that you get a longer warranty and also the thing include two years worth of maintenance depending on your dealer you may also get some extended maintenance as well. One thing that I really love is the pushbutton feature for the start/stop engine function that is mandatory on all new vehicles. This is really convenient if you’re in a drive-through, if you’re like me you don’t like your engine stopping at a stop light however if you’re in a drive-through for a long period of time you can turn it on without turning your car off, very convenient. All in all, I would make this purchase again without hesitation or regret. Also, when looking back at all the mechanical issues I had with Subaru, and they were major issues, I believe this was the best choice in the class.

2 out of 5 stars, Baseball dad

Baseballdad2020, 03/30/2020

SE R-Line Black 4MOTION 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Love the way the car looks! The engine is a bit noisy. Fuel economy is not the greatest. Needs more horsepower. Mine has been in twice for an oil leak.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs. the competition

Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas is the Tiguan's larger sibling. Both are available with three rows of seating, though passengers in the rear will be much more comfortable in the Atlas. The extra space does come at a cost to the Atlas' MSRP and fuel economy, especially with the V6 fitted to most trims.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Honda CR-V

Honda's best-selling model features some of the best interior packaging of any vehicle in any class, with clever storage and more storage capacity than the Volkswagen. It's quick, too, and still bests the Tiguan in fuel economy. Our biggest complaint with the Honda is its middling infotainment system.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4

We like the Toyota RAV4's roomy interior, big cargo capacity and easy-to-use controls. You also get more standard safety features and greater off-roading ability compared to the Tiguan. But we're not so hot on the RAV4's lackluster power and vague steering. Neither one is a home run, but you probably prefer the Tiguan if you like the idea of having a third-row seat.

FAQ

Is the Volkswagen Tiguan a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Tiguan both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.3 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2020 Tiguan gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 10 reviews) You probably care about Volkswagen Tiguan fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Tiguan gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg to 25 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Tiguan ranges from 12.0 to 37.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volkswagen Tiguan. Learn more

What's new in the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan:

To determine whether the Volkswagen Tiguan is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Tiguan. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Tiguan's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 Tiguan and gave it a 7.3 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2020 Tiguan gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 10 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Tiguan is a good car for you. Learn more

What do people think of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for
the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan and all its trim types.
Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Tiguan
4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what
other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database.
Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior,
exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a
comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Tiguan.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Tiguan featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

Which 2020 Volkswagen Tiguans are available in my area?

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Should I lease or buy a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you
that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make
higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand,
can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a
new car every three years or so.